The rescue of the boy near the town of Rockhampton was captured on video by a passerby. However, his rescuer was himself swept away after saving the boy. However, he made it to safety further down the river.

There have been about 20 water rescues in the state since midnight local time.

The rains generated by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald caused flooding in the north of the state and which has now moved south.

Some major highways and more than 70 roads have been cut off across the state.